How to Choose Products for Bulk Vending

It is important to choose the right products to sell in a bulk vending business. Some have higher profit margins while others have longer shelf-life. Also, finding the preferences of each location's customers can make a large difference.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shelf life. In general candy has a one year shelf life. Yet, you should have in mind that you don't know how long it has been on the store shelf. So, I recommend changing candy every 6 months. Have in mind also that hard candy will have a longer shelf life than chocolate, soft candy, and nuts.

2. 
    

   General popularity. At first it may be best to fill your machine half way and test how a particular candy sells. Try different kinds of candy each month for a few months and keep track of how much you collect for each. You will then have a better idea of how popular a particular candy is. When you find the right combination keep it at this location as long as it is popular.

3. 
    

   Location's preferences. You may come across a location where the owner or employees ask for a particular candy. Meeting their requests may help you get and keep the location, and having the favorite candy of a few people with a sweet tooth can be profitable as well. However, do not be afraid to change candy if it is not selling. You can let them know why and they usually will not mind.

4. 
    

   Vend amount. There is no hard rule, but most machines are adjustable so this may give you an idea where to start. Experiment and decide what works best for your locations and what is profitable to you.
   
   Peanut M&M’s: 8-10 pieces
   Plain M&M’s: 12-14 pieces
   Runts: 10-12 pieces
   Skittles: 12-14 pieces
   Reese’s Pieces: 12-14 pieces
   Mike & Ikes: 6-8 pieces
   Hot Tamales: 6-8 pieces
   Chiclets and Gum Tabs: 10-12 pieces
   Cashews: 10-12 pieces
   Pistachios: 10-12 pieces
   
   Have in mind that smaller portions may save on candy costs but can cut down on repeat customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Try placing small cups (such as 3 oz paper cups) on the machines at locations where customers may want to take the candy with them or may not want to hold it in their hands, such as an office or hair salon. This can also encourage them to get more candy at a time. A simple way to keep the cups in place is to put them in a larger plastic cup stuck to the machine's top with double-sided foam-backed tape (sticky squares).
• Placing candy labels on your machines may increase sales. This shows people what kind of candy it is, and that it is a brand name. Colorful labels also attract attention. Some bulk candy comes with labels, but you can make your own by cutting out parts of the package. Some candy manufacturers sell labels, and they can be bought on eBay. Vending websites like VenDiscuss.com may also have labels available for download.

[christmaszorro2]

on 11/17/2009 5*

[mfahrney]

on 3/13/2009 Learned something new...thanks!

[mommyhen42]

on 2/19/2009 great advice

[ccarruthers]

on 1/30/2009 Thanks for sharing your "insider" tips on the bulk vending business. 5 *'s

[kkolode]

on 12/21/2008 Very concrete advice, really good information! A truly deserving five stars!